Big Challenge (I Think) for the Group

Training Bodybuilding
201

I promised to post a chart of my recent progress, so here it is…

Notice the two weeks with all blanks – I had that crappy flu that’s been floating around, and at my age it just doesn’t seem possible to recover from something like that without just strict bed rest. So, no lifting during those two weeks, which was the longest I’ve gone without hitting the gym in years.

That was hard! Not to mention this was also during my break from the Testosterone shots, so let’s just say that when I finally did hit the gym, it was a bit sad…

In any event, back at the gym full-time, back on the HRT, and having a great time… But am I making progress? I don’t know, how do my numbers look to everybody?

I’ll also plan to post a photo or two soon, as promised… That may be the real test of whether the last year has been a waste of time or not…

202

whatever program you are on, it has my vote for the worst program ever.

your numbers suck my balls

47 weeks… and your deads are at 135lbs…
AND you are taking test.

wtf r u doing

this is what u get for listening to stronghold

203

[quote]ZeusNathan wrote:
whatever program you are on, it has my vote for the worst program ever.

your numbers suck my balls

47 weeks… and your deads are at 135lbs…
AND you are taking test.

wtf r u doing

this is what u get for listening to stronghold[/quote]

Stronghold essentially just told me to listen to Mark Rippetoe, which a lot of other people told me to listen to, too. In fact, many thousands of people seem to listen to, and trust, Rippetoe. So, if there is a problem, maybe it’s with me, not the program. Maybe I’m just not super genetically-gifted when it comes to bodybuilding (let me end the suspense: I’m not!!!). Go back and read my very first post in this thread for a reminder of my various frustrations…

That said, I’m still a lot stronger and in better shape now than I was; in fact, better than ever in my whole life. Still one of the smaller and weaker guys in the gym (if not the smallest and weakest) among those who lift on a regular basis. Does seem crazy now that I’m on test regularly; also on HGH for the last month or so; and getting close to 3,000 calories a day now…

On the other hand, I’m now doing five sets of each exercise instead of just three (just started this a month or so ago). And now my deadlift is up to 165. So, I’ll just keep going…

You still seem hesitant to offer any real advice or any semblance of a program. All you’ve ever done is preach that 3 x 12 is the holy grail of weightlifting. Is that the whole program? Nothing else to it?

I also haven’t received any new lifting advice from anyone else lately, which is fine. But if anyone would like to suggest a new program at this point (or to just recommend that I stick with what I’m doing), I’m all ears… I hope everyone has at least noticed that I haven’t quit, not by a long shot!!!

204

[quote]ZeusNathan wrote:
whatever program you are on, it has my vote for the worst program ever.

your numbers suck my balls

47 weeks… and your deads are at 135lbs…
AND you are taking test.

wtf r u doing

this is what u get for listening to stronghold[/quote]

I agree with the number sucks balls. But I think Stronghold gave him some pretty solid advice.

The problem is not genetics, or hormones, or diet, or improper training. You’ve done everything to get those in the right direction and we can see that. What I think is the problem is the level of intensity you’re putting into, well everything. Even the guy, with the worst of genetics, if they went balls to the walls, every session would make more significant gains.

You have to be honest with yourself. Are you giving it 100% in every factor to attain your goal? Are you focused on specific goals, or are you in some hazy zone where your goals are broadly defined? Are you laying it on the line every workout, or are you just going through the motions? Are you striving to be great, or are you settling for mediocre?

I might be wrong, but reading through your log, it seems you have everything lined up for success, you’re just missing the final, and most important, piece of the puzzle: Passion, a burning desire to succeed.

205

I don’t know man, I just don’t buy into that table at the beginning of the page, seems really improbable.

206

[quote]ZeusNathan wrote:
whatever program you are on, it has my vote for the worst program ever.

your numbers suck my balls

47 weeks… and your deads are at 135lbs…
AND you are taking test.

wtf r u doing

this is what u get for listening to stronghold[/quote]

Who are you again?

207

You are on Test and HGH and you dead 140? I’m speechless.

208

For those of you who either don’t read or have trouble comprehending what you do read, he is on replacement test (for only a few months) and has only been on replacement hgh for the past month.

GH has a cumulative effect that requires longer term usage, even at the higher levels that bodybuilders use.

He is on TRT, that means he is probably get getting around 100mg of test a week, MAYBE 200mg if he is sweet talking his nurse.

This guy isn’t running bodybuilder style cycles, hes on therapeutic dosages.

Another thing to remember, these maxes are most likely his working weights for the program he is doing so what he does for 5 reps this week is not truly representative of what he can do for an actual max set of 5.

I’m not there to see him train, but the advice that he has been given works extremely well when the proper effort and nutrition are applied in tandem.

Speakman, I high recommend Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 e book. That program has been getting rave reviews lately and has a planned system of progression that I’m sure would benefit you.

209

First of all: Stronghold, great to see a post from you! Kind of bummed it took a typically thoughtful comment from ZeusNathan to bring you out of the woodwork… LOL… In any event, how have you been? Would love some feedback from you at this point…

As for the other comments, thanks for the feedback, guys! You’ve helped to confirm my nagging suspicion that after all this time and effort (and hormone replacement therapy), my results really kind of suck.

Regarding the deads, I guess I should mention that I seriously pulled a lower back muscle doing deads a few months ago, which had me laid up for a week. And I took a month off from deads. I’m making progress on them again (going for 175 tomorrow), but last week I ALMOST pulled the same back muscle again. Kind of scary…

Invictica, this gets me to your point… I don’t think I can reasonably deny what you’re saying. Of course, I FEEL like I’m working out intensely: I always seem to go to “failure” on every exercise (maybe even every set); short of sickness or injury, I never miss a workout; and by the end of every workout I’m panting and sweating like I just ran a marathon. That said, I am 41 years old, have had enough little injuries to make me at least subconsciously cautious while I’m lifting, and have also had two major inguinal hernia operations (one at 17 years old, the other just a few years ago). So, maybe I haven’t been giving it 100% in the gym…

Also, I should mention that my doctor put me on 200mg test late last year, then had me get off it for six weeks early this year (because we suspected gynomastia might be kicking in). Just about five weeks ago, he put me back on the test, this time at 300mg; and also on Arimadex to avoid the breakdown to estrogen and all the nastiness that goes with that. Five weeks ago is also when I started the HGH, and he started me at VERY low dosages.

I would say it’s only been in about the last two weeks that I’ve really been “feeling” the testosterone (which really probably just has me at “normal” levels for someone maybe 25 years old) and the HGH (which is finally up to a decent dosage, I think). Along with this, I’ve now stepped up my workout to include at least 5 sets of each exercise (as opposed to just 3, what I was doing before). And, again, my deadlift is up about 40 pounds in just a month or so…

So, maybe I’m limping in the right direction now… I don’t know… Any thoughts or comments on these latest revelations?

210

[quote]Stronghold wrote:
For those of you who either don’t read or have trouble comprehending what you do read, he is on replacement test (for only a few months) and has only been on replacement hgh for the past month.

GH has a cumulative effect that requires longer term usage, even at the higher levels that bodybuilders use.

He is on TRT, that means he is probably get getting around 100mg of test a week, MAYBE 200mg if he is sweet talking his nurse.

This guy isn’t running bodybuilder style cycles, hes on therapeutic dosages.

Another thing to remember, these maxes are most likely his working weights for the program he is doing so what he does for 5 reps this week is not truly representative of what he can do for an actual max set of 5.

I’m not there to see him train, but the advice that he has been given works extremely well when the proper effort and nutrition are applied in tandem.

Speakman, I high recommend Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 e book. That program has been getting rave reviews lately and has a planned system of progression that I’m sure would benefit you.[/quote]

Oops! I sent my last post before I saw this one… There’s the feedback I was hoping for from Stronghold!! LOL… Reading through this now…

211

[quote]Stronghold wrote:
For those of you who either don’t read or have trouble comprehending what you do read, he is on replacement test (for only a few months) and has only been on replacement hgh for the past month.[/quote]

Thanks for sticking up for me!! LOL… Seriously, I thought no one was paying attention…

According to the head nurse at my doctor’s office, it usually takes about one year to even begin to see an effect from HGH, at least at my age and at the “normal” dosages. However, my doctor seems to be trying something somewhat “experimental” with me. I didn’t press for the precise details, but the plan only has me on HGH for two months, beginning with extremely low dosages, and, presumably working up to much higher dosages. Again, just beginning to maybe see some effects from the higher dosages I’m now getting (about half way through whatever we’re doing)…

My starting T was so low that my doctor started me off at 200mg. But good guess: I flirted the cute young nurse (hey, I may be weak, but I’ve still “got it”… LOL) into increasing me to 300mg a few weeks before the doctor had me take a break. And after looking at my blood test results, he’s now put me on 300mg himself. I kind of hinted at the nurse to add a little on top of this, but not pushing for this just yet…

This I’m not too sure about. At least on some of my exercises (the bench press and the military press in particular), I swear I wouldn’t be able to lift any more weight than I’m showing on my chart. I know, because every workout I try. So, on some stuff (like deads and squats) I’m making progress at the moment, but on other things I still seem to be kind of stalled…

That said, my strength has undeniably gone substantially up on everything from where I was last year… So, maybe from the strength of a nine-year-old girl to that of a seventeen-year-old girl… LOL

When I Google this, all I seem to be able to find is reviews and discussions about the e-book, not the book itself. Where can I actually purchase the e-book?

212

The 3 days a week e-book is great and has several good programs in it, including 5/3/1:
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=370&pid=2795

or, if you just want info on the 5/3/1 program itself:
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&pid=2976

213

[quote]speakman wrote:

Invictica, this gets me to your point… I don’t think I can reasonably deny what you’re saying. Of course, I FEEL like I’m working out intensely: I always seem to go to “failure” on every exercise (maybe even every set); short of sickness or injury, I never miss a workout; and by the end of every workout I’m panting and sweating like I just ran a marathon. That said, I am 41 years old, have had enough little injuries to make me at least subconsciously cautious while I’m lifting, and have also had two major inguinal hernia operations (one at 17 years old, the other just a few years ago). So, maybe I haven’t been giving it 100% in the gym…
[/quote]

The mind is stronger than the body. If you believe that, you will definetly succeed. I do not see that belief in you at the moment. There is always an excuse for your lack of success, be it injury, genetics, or hormones. As a result, it is likely your “failure” is far from your actual point of failure. Therefore your progress is slow. You are capable of so much more

Focus on your goal, not the set backs. Look at all the amazing physiques and strength feats on T-Nation. They’re only human. There is nothing stopping you from achieving what they have achieved. Once you have full confidence that you can achieve it, there will be no self doubt, and you can walk your path fearlessly.

214

so…

here comes another year of sympathy and empathy.

stronghold has never actually tried or used these programs he prescribes to you speakman, but he read on various different legitimately certified forums that this new program will definitely rock your socks off.

How about you have no more excuses about low test cuz you are now taking them. Stop being a lil bitch and throw on another plate. Wake the fuck up. Strongholds advice got you no where the fuck anywhere in over one year. I know women who weigh below 110lbs that 5x3 135lbs on deads. women who pull 115lbs on their 2nd week of training… after a 2 yr hiatus. 185lbs after 6 months.

Sorry to tell ya speakman, but if you walked into my gym, you’d be walking around with a cash symbol on top of your head because you will constantly find excuses to find excuses for needs and wants for programs and advice very nicely put together, wrapped with a fucking red bow. And then Ill give you a work out that’ll never work, and tell you to buy 100 more sessions so i can keep smiling and tell you that everythings gonna be just fine.

But at the same time, you are a trainers dream client. Willing to learn and try new things. Clearly this is a goal you want to achieve because you still fight to accomplish it. I know, you have back problems, test problems, eating discrepancies, just shut up about it. Nobody gives a flying fuck, really. Tell your wife or a LCSW professional about those problems. Your main problem in this forum, specifically this thread, is that your strength is equivalent to an overgrown girl scout.

If constantly seeking refuge in kind words from the concerned educated minds of most on tnation is what you seek, so be it. But if you really are looking to add some more plates to the bar, I’d be glad to do something for you. Im not gonna listen to your bullshit about your rent and mortgage payments and that your baby shat on your foot. Im even assuming that you are so turned off by my disgusting demeanor that you wouldnt even consider taking advice from someone like me. Well fuck you. Are you ready for results?

PM me

CURRENT
weight/height/bf%
protein/carb/fat intake per day
supplements taken
joint/ligament/chain problems?pain?discomfort?
limitations? (injuries) …get as specific as possible as i am not there to get any kind of visual assessment

bodyweight pull up max (chin over bar to completely stretched)
bench 1 or 3RM
deadlift 1 or 3RM
squat 1 or 3RM

215

i apologize for the terrible grammar and the harsh french. strep throat does the craziest things to u

216

[quote]ZeusNathan wrote:
so…

here comes another year of sympathy and empathy.

stronghold has never actually tried or used these programs he prescribes to you speakman, but he read on various different legitimately certified forums that this new program will definitely rock your socks off.[/quote]

WTF are you talking about? 5/3/1? SH has done that program and has helped 2 others with it. I didn’t realize that discussing the success of the program with Wendler was the same thing as “reading on various legitimately certified forums”.

217

[quote]ZeusNathan wrote:
so…

here comes another year of sympathy and empathy.

stronghold has never actually tried or used these programs he prescribes to you speakman, but he read on various different legitimately certified forums that this new program will definitely rock your socks off.

[/quote]

Who the fuck are you again?

Aren’t you the kid who told me that I didn’t lift weights after I made you look stupid last year?

Didn’t we have this conversation about this time last year? How many times have you taken a month or 6 off from training during the past year? Are you still the same skinny fat 150 lb douche with the made up numbers?

How do you know that I’m not talking from experience. I trained a guy using several of the Rippetoe/Starr programs this summer and he made excellent gains. Another guy I have worked with is using 5/3/1 and is making huge gains.

Speakman’s progress, or lack thereof, involves several things:

  1. less than optimal effort
  2. shit poor hormonal conditions (and this is definitely a factor)
  3. injury
  4. recent illness

We’ve already proven that you don’t really know fuck all about training. I made you look like a child earlier in this thread and I can do it again if you REALLY want to have this discussion again, but I’m sure that will end with you being butt hurt and running off to post stalk me and take cheap shots wherever possible. I’m also sure that after you are initially told to fuck off in this thread, you will continue to resurrect it from page 2000 of this forum so that you can make more weak attacks and make up things about me in an attempt to assuage your fragile, bruised little ego. It’s ok man, there’s nothing wrong with training at the Y. There is something wrong with being a bad trainer at the Y though, but I’m sure one day, you’ll get a clue and stop sucking so much at what you do.

You don’t know jack shit about:

  1. what works and what doesn’t
  2. what I do or who I am
  3. how to even appear that you know what you’re talking about

If Speakman was in your gym, you and your fellow trainers would be feeding him worthless advice because you knew he would keep coming back and handing you his cash. Thanks for going ahead and admitting that you aren’t going to help him get results. If he were at mine, I would have made absolutely certain that he did. If I remember correctly, he was making decent progress up until a little after I stopped corresponding with him about his training on a regular basis.

218

Woah! We posted like, the same thing at the same time. That’s pretty weird.

219

Speakman, I really think you need to read SOME of what this dude has written (the parts I have retained in what is quoted in my post). As harsh as it seems, this is exactly what is happening to you and you will make no progress with your mindset.

you’re not fucking around because of NOT doing 3x12 OR because stronghold’s program is not good or whatever whatever, youre fucking around because youre acting like a little fat emo girl waxing eloquent on her daily vlog, and its extremely annoying.

However, stronghold HAS given you great advice but advice don;t mean JACK unless you push yourself AND eat accordingly. I assume your TRT and GH therapy have restored your hormones to normal levels.stop making excuses, eat to gain size and add weight to the fucking bar.

I;m trying my best to write you off as another lifting loser, but something prevents me from doing that. This is my final advice to you until you start pushign yourself.

[quote]ZeusNathan wrote:
here comes another year of sympathy and empathy.

How about you have no more excuses about low test cuz you are now taking them. Stop being a lil bitch and throw on another plate. Wake the fuck up.
I know women who weigh below 110lbs that 5x3 135lbs on deads. women who pull 115lbs on their 2nd week of training… after a 2 yr hiatus. 185lbs after 6 months.

Sorry to tell ya speakman, but if you walked into my gym, you’d be walking around with a cash symbol on top of your head because you will constantly find excuses to find excuses for needs and wants for programs and advice very nicely put together, wrapped with a fucking red bow. And then Ill give you a work out that’ll never work, and tell you to buy 100 more sessions so i can keep smiling and tell you that everythings gonna be just fine.

But at the same time, you are a trainers dream client. Willing to learn and try new things. Clearly this is a goal you want to achieve because you still fight to accomplish it. I know, you have back problems, test problems, eating discrepancies, just shut up about it. Nobody gives a flying fuck, really. Tell your wife or a LCSW professional about those problems. Your main problem in this forum, specifically this thread, is that your strength is equivalent to an overgrown girl scout.

If constantly seeking refuge in kind words from the concerned educated minds of most on tnation is what you seek, so be it. But if you really are looking to add some more plates to the bar, I’d be glad to do something for you.
Im not gonna listen to your bullshit about your rent and mortgage payments and that your baby shat on your foot. Im even assuming that you are so turned off by my disgusting demeanor that you wouldnt even consider taking advice from someone like me. Well fuck you. Are you ready for results?

[/quote]

220

My post was a waste of time.

THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO READ, SPEAKDUDE.

[quote]Invictica wrote:
ZeusNathan wrote:
whatever program you are on, it has my vote for the worst program ever.

your numbers suck my balls

47 weeks… and your deads are at 135lbs…
AND you are taking test.

wtf r u doing

this is what u get for listening to stronghold

I agree with the number sucks balls. But I think Stronghold gave him some pretty solid advice.

The problem is not genetics, or hormones, or diet, or improper training. You’ve done everything to get those in the right direction and we can see that. What I think is the problem is the level of intensity you’re putting into, well everything. Even the guy, with the worst of genetics, if they went balls to the walls, every session would make more significant gains.

You have to be honest with yourself. Are you giving it 100% in every factor to attain your goal? Are you focused on specific goals, or are you in some hazy zone where your goals are broadly defined? Are you laying it on the line every workout, or are you just going through the motions? Are you striving to be great, or are you settling for mediocre?

I might be wrong, but reading through your log, it seems you have everything lined up for success, you’re just missing the final, and most important, piece of the puzzle: Passion, a burning desire to succeed. [/quote]